AAN 2023: A unique opportunity to connect with the Global Neurology Community

Medical meetings and congresses like the American Academy of Neurology Annual Meeting provide a unique forum for the latest advances in research, medicine, and clinical practice to be, shared, presented, and discussed.

The massively varied progamme of scientific sessions, posters and symposia are an important way for delegates to stay up-to-date on the latest developments in the field. Because of the cross-functional and cross-cultural composition of attendees from around the world, there are often lively discussions and debates which can lead to new and unique perspectives being shared. These viewpoints can stimulate new approaches, important advances and, potentially, exciting improvements in patient care and treatment outcomes. They can also be a genesis for new collaborations and partnerships alongside opportunities for enriching professional development.

This spirit of collaboration, and a willingness to embrace perspectives outside our own experience, is crucial for advancing research and improving patient care. At UCB, we believe strongly that the best way to make a difference is to be part of the discussion. By working together as one community, our voice can be immeasurably amplified. Indeed, I believe by embracing this partnership approach we can make significant strides in better understanding complex neurological conditions, identifying new approaches to delivering improved patient outcomes.

Because we are focused on delivering differentiated patient value across multiple neurological therapy areas, the AAN meeting is a natural environment for UCB to connect with and learn from delegates from around world. We are united in our passion to better understand disease mechanisms which underpin the complex neurological diseases faced by patients. These insights help us to identify and develop new drug targets and therapies, and design clinical trials which resonate with the real-world outcomes patients value with the aim of improving patients' quality of life.

With our proud heritage in neurology, we’re excited to be sharing a diverse scientific programme at this year’s AAN congress, as we continue to pioneer new research into debilitating neurological conditions such as epilepsy and Parkinson’s disease, with the goal of improving patient outcomes and experiences. We’re also focusing our efforts toward communities living with rare diseases such as myasthenia gravis, autoimmune encephalitis and rare forms of epilepsy such as Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. While individual rare diseases are uncommon, collectively they affect a significant portion of the population.

By taking a multi-faceted approach that focuses on increasing awareness and education, supporting patient advocacy, promoting research and innovation, improving access to care, and facilitating collaboration, we can work towards improving care for patients with rare diseases. Which is why, I’m so excited about the opportunity to connect with the community at this year’s AAN meeting!

Of course, there is still much work to be done. However, progress being made in rare disease research is inspiring, and continues to progress at pace. With continued research and open collaboration there is reason to believe both rare and more common diseases can be better understood and more effectively treated in the future.